Hello everyone! I'm back. This didn't take too long... Well, anyway, I'll get right to the point.

This chapter is where the story takes a darker turn for a couple chapters. In this installment there is a VERY vague depiction of some r-a-p-e. I hate that word. Anyway, the whole thing lasts three or four lines, and it is not at all what I'd call graphic. This chapter also contains some non-consensual touching. Just a warning. Oh, and language. Only slightly more than usual though.

Well, on a more positive note, I love my reviewers! I love you all!

To Not A Monkey: Thank you very much! Glad you think so. Thanks for the review!

To yasha0926: I'm glad to hear it! Here's the update! Not to bad on time... Anyway, thanks for the review!

To sheenachi: No, I haven't seen that! But it sounds insane, so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review!

To inu&kag4eva: I know... I'm so evil... But I couldn't resist! You're really going to hate me after you read this chapter... Thanks for the review!

To Captain applesauce: Thank you very much! I'm glad you like it! Was the problem with the summary? If so, please let me know, cause there's something I don't like about it... Please feel free to give me some pointers! And thank you so much for the reviews!

To branch of tree la: If you like my evil mind, you're going to LOVE how this chapter ends... MWAHAHAHAHA! And I'm glad I was able to clear that up! I don't want to confuse people! You like the extension idea? Alright, I'm pretty sure that's what I'm gonna do. You're kidding! No love confession? How could they? Here you wade through two-hundred-something episodes, waiting for it to happen... and it DOESN'T? How dare they! I can't believe it... Anyway, thanks for the reviews!

To orlandoroxmysox: Here you go! Thanks for the review!

I think that's everyone... I apologize if I missed anyone. Please let me know if I did!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. But I do own the stupid villain of this story and the plot idea...


Chapter 9: New Scars

Kagome groaned quietly, trying to open her eyes. Her whole body felt leaden, and she couldn't move... couldn't really breath. Barely managing to lift one heavy eyelid, she could make out the blurred image of someone leaning over her.

Then the person was gone; soft footsteps crossed the room and a door was slid open.

"She has awoken, my lord." A quiet, submissive tone.

As soon as the woman had finished her sentence, the tremendous weight that had settled on Kagome's chest was lifted, and she gasped violently as oxygen swept back into her lungs.

Opening both eyes to the dimly lit area, the first thing she noticed was that it must have been late in the evening.

The second thing, the thing she wished she had never noticed, was the slow, ominous sound of a new tread on the wooden floor.

Midori stepped steadily closer, a sadistic smile forming on his lips. "Finally awake, my dear?" He loomed over her. "How do you feel?"

Disregarding the question, Kagome managed to ignore her aching muscles and edged backwards, pushing herself to her feet when she had put a good distance between them. Summoning her courage she looked him in the face. "What do you want with me?"

Midori's smile faltered slightly. "Now, now, my prize. That is no way to speak to your new owner." He crossed his arms, eyeing her in the manner of someone appraising a valued animal. "But I will dignify your query with an answer."

He stepped closer still, his strides measured and deliberate. "Your ability to sense the sacred jewel demonstrates the great power you possess. That power is what we require."

Frowning, the girl urged him to continue. "So you're like every other demon we've run into. You just want to use me to find the shards of the jewel!"

"Not at all, Kagome. Far from it as a matter of fact. Your potential proves that you hold the strength of a great priestess." He paused, waiting for her to digest the information before he moved onward.

"You said 'we' earlier. What did you mean by that?" She was surprised, but strangely pleased that this demon was allowing her to speak freely for the moment. The more answers she received, the better they would know who, or what, they were dealing with.

Midori looked somewhat impressed that she had caught on. "Ah, I was referring to my master. It was he that requested I take you captive, and it is he that requires your power."

"Your master?" Kagome repeated, hesitant as to whether or not she wanted to delve deeper on that subject.

A dignified nod. "My master was once a spectacularly powerful demon. But his immense strength was achieved through... experimentation, and over time, the force that he had accumulated became too much for his body to contain. And the many alterations his frame had suffered through only served to aid in its collapse."

Midori stopped, his expression reverent for a moment as his eyes fell to his left hand, the gnarled tissue splayed palm up.

"His body began to decay from the inside out," His fingers curled, tightening into a fist with a wooden creak. "And in order to preserve his soul, we were forced to bind him to something that could either withstand his might, or grow and adapt to it."

"Where does that leave me?" Kagome murmured, not really intending for her uncertainty to be heard.

"My master has been imprisoned for far too long, and desires a new body." The demon spoke with a new intensity, his gaze directed at the floor. "Your powers will help provide him with one."

Her brow creased as her eyes widened in fear. "So I'm supposed to be some host body for your leader?" Kagome's voice wavered dangerously as she thought of the possibility.

Midori laughed harshly, but did not face her. "Do not flatter yourself. Your human shell is far beyond weak. But something created from his power and yours would be more than sufficient."

Up until now, she had felt confident enough to plant her feet and stand her ground, but something told her that there was a meaning behind his words that she had yet to grasp.

"You." Turning sharply to pin her with his stare, the tree-like man smirked when he saw the girl flinch. "You will be the womb from which my master's new body is born."

Choking on her breath, Kagome's hand flew to her mouth as she fought through a surge of nausea. 'They... They can't mean...'

The youkai seemed to thoroughly enjoy her distress, walking towards her with a renewed purpose. "But until then, you will be busy satisfying my wishes." He leered at her, fangs barred.

Her legs, suddenly rebelling, trembled threateningly. Her breath had left her again, but she couldn't tear her eyes from the demon's hungry expression, no matter how hard she tried.

"Even the most beautiful flower will become ugly if left untended." Midori explained, the space between them rapidly dwindling. "Leaving you to your own devices would be such a waste."

Kagome retreated from his advances until her back hit a wall. Her face flushed angrily as he stopped mere inches from her, reaching out and bracing one arm beside her shoulder. His free hand rose to her cheek and she jerked back, her head colliding with the hard, unforgiving barrier behind her.

"I'm not you're slave." She muttered heatedly.

A dull ache was left to remind her of her impact with the wall, but it was nothing compared to the torturous burning that was left in the wake of the demon's fingers.

Midori stood back, regarding her with contempt. "I'll excuse your tone for now. But you had best learn to hold your tongue."

His tone was cold and intolerant now as he backed up, turning to a pair of women crouched in the corner. "Take her to my quarters. I trust you know what to do with her." Then he turned and disappeared out a second door.

Only once the door had closed and Midori's steps had receded did the two women rise and approach her. Their expressionless eyes never wavered as they took her violently by the arms and forced her into the hallway.

"Hey!" Kagome cried, irritation outweighing her fear and confusion momentarily. "No need to be so rough!" She looked back and forth between them, estimating her chances of escape.

They were both noticeably taller than her, and looked like they could easily handle someone of her size.

No apology was offered as they rounded an abrupt corner, continuing past an open door, through which Kagome could see a large, well groomed courtyard. Turning again, they moved down a dark, cold corridor. If the dirt and dust was any indication, this path was not often used.

Kagome stole a subtle glance at her escorts. Their eyes were distant, expressions impassive, grips firm and unrelenting. "Um... May I ask where you're taking me?"

Not once did either woman look at her, they focused straight ahead, apparently not intent on indulging her with an answer.

She was about to try again when her senses were overwhelmed by a horrible stench.

Kagome coughed; her stomach lurched and she could feel the bile rising in her throat. The odor became stronger the deeper they traveled down the hall.

Although her eyes were watering badly, through another open door, Kagome saw something that made her stop dead in her tracks.

Dozens of young women, some even younger than her, were huddled in groups, barely clothed.

Their hair, although long, was matted and tangled.

Their faces were bruised and swollen. Some were smudged with dirt, and even blood.

Their eyes, like those of the women beside her, were dull and empty.

Some weakly rose their heads to stare back at her, making Kagome feel like she was a child, gaping at some horrific zoo exhibit. They were all visibly shaking from the steady wind that blew in through an open window: probably opened in hopes of ridding the room of the appalling odor.

The two girls at her sides pushed her onward.

As Kagome staggered down the hall, shocked into submission, she thought if nothing else, that they appeared to be well fed.

They finally came to a halt in front of a large, ornate doorway. The woman on her right lifted her hand, knocked sharply, and the door was promptly opened.

Inside the chamber was a luxurious bedroom. Rich cloth of every color adorned the walls, tables, and what Kagome assumed to be a bed of some sort. Paintings and sculptures donned every surface.

Several servants were on their knees, scrubbing the floor; two more were smoothing the leaf-like covers on the bed.

"Leave." Barked the woman on her left.

The workers jumped, startled, to their feet; gathering tools and clothes before fleeing out the door. When the room was empty, the girls lead her to the back wall, where one area was devoid of the colorful finery that filled the rest of the room.

They took Kagome by the shoulders now, and securely pushed her against the bare wall.

Too shocked at first to do anything, she only began to struggle after the roots had stretched from the wall and wound themselves around her arms. By then she could not offer much resistance, and they had no trouble restraining her ankles as well.

Her hands and feet were effectively bound. Her wrists were caught, spread high above her shoulders. To further discomfort, her legs were braced wide to accommodate the unforgiving vines.

"Why are you doing this?" Kagome demanded, her eyes pleading with her captors.

Finally the two women turned to acknowledge her. They did not speak, but as Kagome met their gaze, she could see only one emotion burning clear in both pairs of listless brown eyes.

Jealousy. Pure and unwavering jealousy.


Inuyasha paced back and forth impatiently, struggling to determine the direction in which Kagome's scent was the strongest.

Midori's dying plants, rapidly decomposing, had filled the air with the thick aroma of rot, making it difficult to pinpoint his escape route. The odor wasn't unbearable or overly unpleasant, simply much stronger and heavier than others.

The half demon growled, his brow lined with worry and anger. "Come on! We have to find Kagome now! There's no telling what that bastard will do to her!"

Miroku tapped the end of his staff into the ground absently before replying.

"We are all worried about Kagome, Inuyasha. But before we can do anything we need to formulate some sort of plan."

"Forget your stupid plan!" Inuyasha raged, clenching his fists at his sides. "Every second we waste here is one second too many. Kagome's in danger!" He whirled, facing the rest of the group with disdain.

"Inuyasha, we know how you fe-"

"Like hell you know how I feel!" Inuyasha cut him short, alarmingly hostile. He turned and started running in the direction he had concluded that Midori had gone, calling over his shoulder. "I'm going after Kagome! You'll just have to catch up!" Not waiting for a reply, he jumped into the air.

Scouring the forest beneath him, he searched urgently for any sign of the missing girl or the demon. Tense moments passed, and finally on the wind rushing past him, he caught a solid trace of Kagome's scent.

He dropped quickly to the ground, pausing to inhale deeply. Her familiar odor filling his lungs was like a wave of relief washing over him. But wait...

"I can smell her?" He questioned aloud. If Midori had simply disappeared with the girl as his captive, she wouldn't have left a scent trail.

He turned in the direction where the girl's scent was the most pronounced. Caught on the thorns of a large bush was a shred of deep green cloth. "Kagome's skirt." He supplied, his anxiety growing.

Clutching the cloth in an angry fist he moved off again; his pace faster than before, and his expression set with grim determination.

'Just hang on Kagome, please.' He begged silently. 'Please... I'm on my way.'


Kagome shuddered. Rather than being terrified of something happening to her, she was more frightened of the wide range of potential dangers.

She had realized earlier, with a mounting sense of dread, that something was going to happen. She had accepted that fact. Plaguing her now, was the endless list of possibilities that lay before her. There was absolutely no telling what he would do when he appeared next.

Though she had an idea...

"Inuyasha... where are you?"

Her arms and legs trembled, screaming in protest from the effort of holding her in such an awkward position. Her head bowed low as she fought back the tears that threatened to fall.

She would not cry. Not if it meant showing weakness to that bastard. She was not weak. Not emotionally anyway.

The silence was becoming unbearable. Not even the normal sounds of the nightlife outside were heard. No movement from the hall. Nothing.

Just when she thought she was going to go break down, the door creaked open.

Lifting her head toward the new arrival, she felt relieved to finally have some company. But when she was rewarded with the image of Midori stalking towards her, she prayed he would just turn around and leave. She would gladly take the solitude over his presence.

No such luck.

The demon stopped before her, reaching out to stroke her cheek. "Well now, Kagome. How do you like your new accommodations?" His lips curled in an ominous smirk as she tried unsuccessfully to escape his reach. His fingers trailed along her jaw.

"Of course you know if you would not behave so badly you would not need to be locked up. If you were a good girl I could take these nasty restraints off."

Kagome snorted rudely. "The only thing nasty here is you." She quipped angrily, taking a moment to be proud of herself for her quick retort.

Midori laughed out loud, leaning closer. "You certainly have no lack of spirit, my child." He lowered his hand from her face to cup her right breast.

Kagome jerked violently. "Don't touch me you bastard!" She hissed vehemently.

"Come now. You cannot tell me you are not enjoying this." He began groping experimentally at her chest, and appeared to be encouraged by her struggles.

Kagome was reeling. Emotions and thoughts were tossed around in her mind. Unable to form coherent thoughts, she did the first thing that came to her.

She spit in his face.

Midori froze, backing away slightly to lift a twisted hand to his face. Wiping away the projectile with his sleeve, his eyes bored down upon her. The corner of his mouth quirked in a small smile, but his expression was anything but amused.

Kagome cried out as he slapped her viciously across the face; her neck snapping painfully in objection to the sudden abuse. She could feel her face already beginning to swell, and her cheek stung.

Midori shook out his hand, regarding her with a look of disgust.

"If you want to live long enough for that pitiful friend of yours to attempt a rescue, I suggest you never do that again." He turned on his heel, his robes billowing as he marched across the room to a rope hanging from the ceiling.

He gave the cord a tug before turning back towards his prey. Abruptly he untied his sash and let his robes drop to the floor, leaving him completely nude. He stepped out of them and kicked them into a corner.

As he made his way closer again, his eyes filled with lust, and he sneered as the girl averted her attention, blushing brightly even under the rapidly forming lump beneath her eye.

"I'm going to enjoy punishing you."

Kagome had known far earlier what he was truly intent on, but now her blood ran cold. She pulled with renewed energy at her bonds; the wooden shackles biting into her ankles and wrists. Tears sprang to her eyes.

"Don't come near me!" She shook from fear and sorrow. She was helpless as he was upon her; tearing her shirt from her shoulders.

His lips sought her own but she turned her head away, refusing to let him kiss her. Dry, rough hands found their way to a convenient tear in her skirt and removed that garment as well, leaving her in only her underwear.

He stood back to let his eyes roam her silken skin. Then he let his fingers take the paths his eyes had mapped, relishing every curve.

The sensation of his cold, abrasive skin against her own sent her into a fit of harsh sobs. She heard the door open and cracked her uninjured eye open to see a girl being forced through the doorway.

The young woman collapsed on the floor in a shaking heap, crying hysterically.

Midori turned away from Kagome to approach the girl, who looked no older than seventeen.

"Wonderful. The entertainment is here."

The woman, hearing her master's voice, scrambled to her feet and straightened her kimono. She stood with her head lowered and managed to mask her tears. The youkai walked closer and clasped the girl's cheek, lifting her face. "Ah, Toriko. I am happy to see you again."

The still visibly quaking young girl forced a small smile and met his gaze. "I am honored and blessed to be chosen, my lord."

Midori smirked. He had programmed each and every one of his slaves with impeccable manners. His face became soft and sympathetic. "Yes, my dear. I am very sorry to hear that your son was taken away. But he will be very well taken care of."

Kagome gaped. Son?

Toriko dropped her head to the side, troubled tears welling in her eyes. "It is a small sacrifice to make, my lord."

Midori reached up to tuck a small strand of hair behind the girl's ear.

"Yes. I promise it will not be long tonight. As you can see, I have company waiting." He moved to the side and gestured to Kagome.

The girls gaze flickered over the captive girl before returning to her master's face. "Very good, master. She suits you well."

He smirked. Without another word, Midori dropped his polite facade and threw the girl on the bed. Tearing at her clothing, he climbed over her small body and forced himself upon her.

Kagome shut her eyes tightly; aghast at the horrific scene. But the girls pained cries and the demon's satisfied groans she could not stifle. Even though she feared this cruel fate would next fall upon her, her present tears were falling on behalf of the writhing form beneath the youkai's hands.

After what seemed like an eternity, the room had again become quiet. Only the whimpers of the girl and the panting breath of Midori could be heard. Hearing movement and recognizing the sound of shuffling cloth, Kagome hesitantly opened her eyes.

Midori had drawn a heavy robe around himself and slipped out a door into a garden.

Kagome quickly looked to the young girl.

The woman sat up gingerly and gathered her tattered clothing. Pushing herself from the bed she shuddered noticeably as her bare feet met the cool wooden floor. She wrapped her arms around herself and limped slowly across the room towards the door.

"Wait!" Kagome called quietly, torn between her fear of drawing Midori and her concern for the young slave. "Are you alright?"

The girl seemed startled as she turned to look at the girl tied to the wall. She remembered once being in that same position for four days straight. She hesitated a moment before nodding slightly, and continuing out the door.

Kagome was again left in silence. As soon as she was sure no one was returning to the room, she let her tears fall freely. Sobbing openly, her head sagged against her chest. 'Inuyasha...'

She felt so violated. Her body was weary and sore and bruised. She was shivering from the cold, stale air. She cried until she was completely empty of everything: emotions and energy.

After what must have been hours, the outer door slid open again, and the dim light of the pre-dawn sky slipped past Midori, illuminating the youkai's silhouette

The man moved slowly towards her and grinned, his teeth glinting. "You truly are quite beautiful, my prize."

Kagome shook uncontrollably. To her that felt like an insult.

Upon reaching her, his hands worked every inch of her bare skin. He leaned in close and let his tongue trail down her neck.

Closing her eyes with a low, keening cry of revulsion, she continued to thrash. She wouldn't give up without a fight.

"He'll kill you." She whispered intensely, twisting as she felt his breath on her face..

The demon paused, his eyes searching her face..

"Well then, I shall have to enjoy this last opportunity."


There you go! A not-so-happy chapter, eh? Don't worry, I'll make it up to you. Eventually... So, will Inuyasha make it in time? Stay tuned to find out! And remember! More reviews equals a faster update!

Thanks for reading!